Many men experience a condition called gynecomastia, or excessive breast tissue. It is a common condition and can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness for many men.
If you feel reluctant to take off your shirt when at the beach or the pool or during romantic situations, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery can help you achieve the masculine appearance you desire with male breast reduction surgery.
To learn more about gynecomastia and your candidacy for male breast reduction surgery, please contact us today online or at 650-934-7020 to schedule a free consultation. We welcome patients from the Silicon Valley and Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and San Francisco, California.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Many times, gynecomastia begins during puberty. Fortunately, some men who develop the condition around this developmental time find that the condition resolves itself naturally as they enter adulthood and never need surgery. However, this is not the case for everyone, and many men live with excessive breast tissue into adulthood.
Other possible causes of gynecomastia include:
- Liver disease
- Graves' disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Estrogen-producing tumors
- Dietary supplements
- Anabolic steroid use
- Certain prescription medications
- Obesity
- Hormone fluctuations
If you are experiencing one of the potential causes listed above, you should consult your doctor to ensure your condition isn’t the result of one of these issues. Treating one of these conditions or discontinuing the use of certain medications could cause your gynecomastia to diminish.
Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is safe and effective, and most men with excess breast tissue are good candidates for the procedure. Men with firm, elastic skin usually experience the best results. If you are overweight, it is best to get near your ideal weight before surgery through exercise and a healthy diet.
If you reach your target weight and are still unhappy with the appearance of your chest, you should schedule a free consultation at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery to determine your candidacy. Generally speaking, in addition to being near your ideal weight, good male breast reduction candidates:
- Are in good overall health
- Don’t smoke, or are willing to quit before surgery and throughout the recovery process
- Have realistic expectations for their results
The best way to find out if this procedure is right for you is to meet personally with one of our gynecomastia surgeons. Consultations are free and completely confidential. We will assess your physical condition and explain all of your options. You will never be pressured or rushed into making any decisions about your treatment. We will work to understand your goals and explain all of your options.
Does Gynecomastia Go Away on Its Own?
Gynecomastia is most common during adolescence. In these cases, the condition may self-correct. In adulthood, it can be much more difficult to get gynecomastia to respond to lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, often making male breast reduction surgery the most effective option.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Take?
There are factors that make each procedure different, but gynecomastia surgery typically takes around one to two hours. It may take more time in some cases. This is dependent on factors unique to the individual such as how much tissue is being removed, the type of tissue present, and more.
The best way to get a clear idea of how long you can expect your male breast reduction procedure to take is through a one-on-one consultation with one of the board-certified plastic surgeons at Altos Oaks.
Can Breast Tissue Grow Back After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Once glandular tissue and excess fat have been removed from the chest, they cannot “grow back.” In this way, gynecomastia surgery is permanent. However, hormone and weight fluctuations can allow new tissue to develop, undoing your male breast reduction results.
You can help maintain your results by:
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Getting plenty of exercise
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
- Avoiding marijuana and sedatives
- Avoiding anabolic steroids
Some medications may also increase your risk of developing gynecomastia. Ceasing these medications may be necessary to prevent a re-accumulation of fat or tissue in the chest. We will review the herbs, supplements, and medications you currently take to help you determine if any of them may interfere with the long-term success of your male breast reduction procedure.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Gynecomastia?
The most common cause of gynecomastia is hormonal fluctuations, specifically estrogen and testosterone. It is most common in adolescent boys.
In adult males, the most common causes of gynecomastia are:
- Weight gain
- General inactivity
- Poor diet
- Steroids
The same methods employed to maintain male breast reduction results may help to prevent gynecomastia from occurring, but not all cases are linked to one of the above factors. If you have enlarged male breasts, talking to one of our board-certified plastic surgeons can help to reveal the underlying causes and provide a framework for how to avoid the condition in the future.
What Is Recovery From Gynecomastia Surgery Like?
It may take a few days before you feel comfortable enough to return to work, but non-strenuous jobs can typically be resumed within a week. During this time, some bruising, swelling, and discomfort are to be expected. These things will self-resolve. You can assist by using your compression garment, keeping incisions dry and clean, and carefully following pre and postoperative directions.
Advanced exercise may need to be avoided for two to six weeks. During this time, walks and other types of mildly aerobic exercise can help to reduce discomfort and speed the healing process. After this time, progressive forms of exercise can be used to extend and even enhance your results.
Results from gynecomastia surgery are immediate, but it will not be until the swelling subsides that they will be noticeable. This can take a few weeks. Once results have been finalized, however, they have the potential of permanence, so long as you are willing to take steps to maintain your results.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Maser and his staff are professional, caring, careful, and personal. I got terrific care from the moment I walked in through all my post-op visits. With a location right in Los Altos, the facility couldn't have been more convenient." - B.C.
Your Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Liposuction is frequently used in most cases of gynecomastia surgery to remove stubborn pockets of fat from the male breast tissue. If excessive glandular tissue is also a cause of your condition, this tissue will be surgically removed during your treatment.
It is common to experience some mild bruising and swelling following your surgery. These effects will gradually subside during the initial weeks of your recovery. In order to achieve optimal results, you will be provided with detailed postoperative instructions, and wear a compression garment for the first few weeks after your procedure.
Every patient heals at his own pace, but most men are able to return to work in about a week after gynecomastia surgery.
Read what our patients are saying!
Testimonial: Dr. Maser and his staff are professional, caring, careful, and personal. I got terrific care from the moment I walked in through all my post-op visits. With a location right in Los Altos, the facility couldn't have been more convenient.
Click here to read more reviews.
Book Your Gynecomastia Consultation In Los Altos!
If you live in the Silicon Valley or Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and San Francisco, and want to learn more about male breast reduction surgery, please contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery today by completing the form on this page or calling 650-934-7020 to schedule a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.